Black Like Me

Hear about Dr. Ruben Anthony’s early years in the Bronx, where he saw the birth of hip-hop in his community and the excellence of Black arts at The Apollo.  These two leaders and visionaries discuss what the new developments in Southern Madison means to the community, state, and the country. They also break down the Black and race-related dynamics in Madison as they pursue their major initiatives.  Dr. Anthony talks about the innovative and national development of the Urban League’s Black Business Hub that he has started. Previously, there was not a place where Black excellence could be on display in Madison. Also, don't miss a fun edition of Black Ice Breakers where there is strong agreement on the proper way to eat grits.  The Black Business Hub  

Dr. Gee talks to returning guest Dr. Chris Bass about the mourning process of losing his mother over the previous year. They talk about the need for rest and space in mourning in order to have the energy to focus on the work that would have made his mother proud. Hear about the activities and accomplishments that honor his mother going forward.  Dr. Bass gives advice for making sure people take time and space for healthy relationships and themselves. They discuss the unique times that Blacks folks in particular are facing with the challenges in our culture and society.  Dr. Chris Bass has served clinically in a variety of posts including; Clinical Director at a residential treatment facility for adjudicated late adolescent males, Psychologist for the City of Atlanta and Senior Psychological Partner at The Bass Medical and Psychological Consultants firm LLC. He has held faculty appointments on the campuses of Hampton University, Morehouse College, University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University and others. He con

Returning guest, Dr. Byars-Winston, is the inaugural chair of the UW- Madison’s Institute of Diversity Science. She honestly explores what doing research on causes of group-based discrimination and what effective ways to eliminate discrimination look like in our current social and political environment. They discuss that more people than the media and politicians appear are in favor of broad diversity. The conversation covers how most businesses want to hire a diverse staff but don’t necessarily want to use the DEI labels. Dr. Byars-Winston explains that there is and can be data to back up approaches to diversity in the workplace but most do not have access to the information now. As an example she shows the lack of available evidence illustrated in a public hearing in WI State Assembly.  Hear about the ties between Dr. Byars-Winston’s work and The Center for Black Excellence and Culture’s goals. Also, listen in to understand the importance mentorship representation. Heads of UW system, state agencies defend

Dr. Gee had been hearing reactions from his white friends that they are surprised and deeply discouraged by what our government is doing to American society. To hear a just few perspectives on this political moment, podcast producers Jeremy Holiday and Eli Steenlage join the conversation to talk about their own feelings and what they are hearing. Dr. Gee highlights some of the differences between what the Black community and white community understand and see happening right now. The Black community has been trying to say that things are out of control historically and this is just another phase of it. Also, after hearing all of the Black Ice Breaker questions and responses, don't miss how Jeremy and Eli react to the cultural differences and similarities. Going deeper, they share what has surprised them as they have learned more about Black culture.  alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

Dr. Gee is joined by his daughter, Lexi Gee, to discuss the depth of Black womanhood in the film version of Wicked. Lexi brings a wealth of story and cultural criticism to topic as she has recently been appointed the Curator of Stories position at The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Hear about how she is establishing the library and reading room in the Center, and especially how it will impact Black children. Find out the racial significance of the film version of Wicked by casting a Black woman in the role of Elphaba and how the connection to her green skin becomes more relevant. Lexi explains why Black woman are able to identify so much with the character of Elphaba, and in particular how Cynthia Erivo invested her Black womanhood into the role. The main female friendship dynamic is explored with their differences and bonds.  alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

Ben Wikler returns to the show again in this wild political moment both locally and nationally. As he is stepping out of his role as Chair of Wisconsin Democratic Party he is energized by a recent state Supreme Court win. Dr. Gee asks him about how the Black community fits into the vision of the Democratic Party in the current environment. Are Black voters acknowledged outside of an election? Hear what Ben is doing after his current role and how he is processing his experience in the high profile political climate of Wisconsin. The discussion covers the reality of the Democratic party on the ground, what elections look like for candidates after they are elected, and where the political action should be happening. Ben breaks down the resistance happening to the current administration and why he is encouraged. The two men discuss the role of Black women in the last presidential election and whether their vote and political aspirations are truly valued.  alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join

Angela Robinson Whitehurst returns to the show to bring her Broadway experience to discussing Wicked and the translation from stage to screen. Dr. Gee and Angela discuss the timing of seeing race brought to the forefront of this version of Wicked, compared to when the stage musical was first a part of our culture. The power of fantasy and musical stories is that deep ideas about culture can be explored through an alternate version of our world. It allows us to see the realities of our world through a different lens.  Angela also exposes the way that Black women were not allowed into the Alphoba role before the film version, but now that will be the standard as the significance of the character has been redefined by Blackness. They continue their conversation about Black voices and stories in Hollywood, including having to make representation happen for themselves.  A native of Jacksonville, FL, Angela Robinson is best-known as The Ice Queen Veronica Harrington of Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots.

Dr. Alex Gee and his sister commiserate on some things lately that make them wonder what is going on - things that make them say "Hmmm..." You won't want to miss this honest conversation full of some real talk that explores some serious issues in their lives right now. These two leaders let you in some topics that make them a bit annoyed. And you also know that they have a little fun too! Rev. Lilada Gee is a dynamic voice on behalf of Black girls and women throughout the African Diaspora who carry the heavy burden of generations of sexual trauma, as well as their own—Lilada Gee has committed her life to the defending of Black girlhood and the healing of Black women. She is the host of the Defending Black Girlhood podcast. Listen to Lilada's Podcast Visit Lilada's Website: Lilada.org Lilada's Art

It's Season 11! And it's the 200th episode! This occasion calls for something special. Dr. Gee brings starts the season with his signature Mic Check to set the tone. He speaks to this moment with a spoken word poem and some commentary on what these times mean for us all. Dr. Gee lays out a call to audacity. Listen up! alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

Dr. Gee returns to the discussion of his involvement in a university report on the Black Community Experience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In episode 188 he discussed the upcoming report with UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and now that the report is public, he is joined by fellow board members on the ad hoc committee. Dr. Angela Byers-Winston and Ray Allen discuss the difference between good intentions and intentionality, when it comes to identifying and creating real change? The ad hoc study group worked to present their critical findings and strategic recommendations aimed at addressing the long-standing challenges faced by Black students, faculty, and staff on university campus. They discuss the question, “What is the systemic inertia to follow through on the recommendations?” Hear the unfiltered conversation about the report conducted by the UW by those that served on the board. All three speak honestly about the process, offering what made them angry or frustrated, and the hopes they h

Dr. Gee returns to the topic of a childhood fascination with astronomy as he takes a journey through the cosmos with Eric Wilcots, University of Wisconsin-Madison dean of the College of Letters & Science and Professor of Astronomy. Both began their interest in astronomy at a young age with the same model of telescope. Professor Wilcots explains how few Black astronomy academics there were in his early years and now works to encourage diversity in academic departments.  They continue their fun and informative conversation by exploring questions about the universe and what we currently know scientifically. Dr. Gee asks questions to understand black holes, stars, and life on other planets. Don't miss this awe-inspiring  conversation as Professor Wilcots shares his passion for the big questions of our universe and beyond. Learn more about the UW Washburn Observatory and when to visit alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

Dr. Gee has an honest discussion with author and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Their conversation starts with southern cooking and how food provides insights into our histories and continues into how race relations impact policing. Ellison has written a book about his experience leading the prosecution when the Derek Chauvin case came to trial involving the killing of George Floyd. Hear what he saw when he looked into the eyes of Derek Chauvin. They also discuss Ellison’s involvement in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Read Keith Ellison's book: Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence  From 2007 to 2019, Keith Ellison represented Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he championed consumer, worker, environmental, and civil- and human-rights protections for Minnesotans. He served for 12 years on the House Financial Services Committee, where he helped oversee the financial services industry, the housing industry, and Wall Street, amo

Dr. Gee and Leonard Pitts discuss bringing American history to life in order to reclaim the role of Black people in the development of the nation. Both men share the power of story to display the experience of the Black community in history and today. Leonard speaks to the Black experience through journalism, academic scholarship, commentary, and historical fiction. Hear how the details of his writing inform a long-standing missing perspective on history, including complicated characters that reveal the trauma and hurt of the Black community in American history. Read Leonard Pitts novel 54 Miles alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

Dr. Gee starts his conversation with faith leader and professional musician Marquis Hunt by talking about addressing young Black men to understand that they do have voice that can matter. Marquis wrote a letter to a “Black Brother” as “a call to every Black man who’s ever felt overlooked, undervalued, or trapped in a system that wasn’t built for us.” They discuss why there is a need to call young Black men to create a greater narrative than the one that society is telling them.  Before the recent election, Dr. Gee and Marquis look deeply into the environment around the Black vote in the 2024 election, especially for Black men. Also, don't miss an extra fun Black Ice Breakers session. Marquis Hunt is a Spiritual Director, Interfaith Leader, professional musician and author of The New Human: When People We Love, Love The People We Love. From Little Rock, Arkansas, Hunt is the founder and developer of The FloW, a community-based practice that integrates music, philosophy, and strategic discourse. Marquis has wor

Dr. Alex Gee has a special episode to talk through and process the recent election from his perspective. He is joined by Black Like Me producer Jeremy Holiday for a raw conversation that seeks to break down first thoughts on how community and justice minded people look ahead in our current landscape. They share their raw feelings and reflections in this challenging moment. As always, Dr. Gee brings his wide-ranging experience as a Black man in a majority white community who is also a visionary community and faith leader. RSVP for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture Public Update alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

Hear about how spiritual leader and author David Gibbons felt that he wrote his memoir as a way to process his life and his experience, calling the book The Shape of My Eyes. In an honest conversation, Dr. Gee and David break down what “model minority” means for Asian Americans and African Americans. They consider how this concept also worked toward putting the two racial communities in opposition to one another by weaponizing the term. They continue Dr. Gee’s awareness around how the unity between Asian American and Black communities can be perpetuated. Also, hear how David tries to get Dr. Gee to go white water rafting. Read Dave Gibbons new book, The Shape of My Eyes: A Memoir of Race, Faith, and Finding Myself Dave Gibbons was born in Seoul, Korea yet culturally raised in America. He works in both for profit and not for profit organizations. Dave is an Advisor, Speaker and Spiritual leader. Dave founded an influential church known for diversity, innovation and social impact. At the same time, he launched

Dr. Gee hosts a special episode recorded live with an audience and a young jazz group in summer 2024 at Cafe Coda in Madison, WI. The night was a celebration of the 10th season of Black Like Me and Dr. Gee brought together Black podcast hosts to talk about their unique position.  Bianca Martin hosts the City Cast Madison podcast. She is skilled in audio journalism and multi platform storytelling. Bianca has produced a wide range of radio and podcast programs, including for National Geographic, NPR, and Chicago Public Media. You can hear Bianca every weekday on the City Cast Madison podcast at madison.citycast.fm Rev. Lilada Gee is a dynamic voice on behalf of Black girls and women throughout the African Diaspora who carry the heavy burden of generations of sexual trauma, as well as their own—Lilada Gee has committed her life to the defending of Black girlhood and the healing of Black women. She is the host of the Defending Black Girlhood podcast. Their conversation covers the specifically Black space that pod

Black resistance to white supremacy is often reduced to a simple binary between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolence and Malcolm X’s “by any means necessary.” Dr. Gee discuss how in her book, We Refuse, historian Kellie Carter Jackson urges us to move past this false choice, offering an unflinching examination of the breadth of Black responses to white oppression, particularly those pioneered by Black women. Dr. Carter Jackson explains the dismissal of “Black violence” as an illegitimate form of resistance is itself a manifestation of white supremacy, a distraction from the insidious, unrelenting violence of structural racism. Dr. Gee and Dr. Carter Jackson also explore the fact that Black men are being killed in the streets but Black women are being killed in the private space of their own homes. Hear about how “Black flight" is connected to joy in that Black folks needs space to get away from regular white supremacist life. Finally, Dr. Carter Jackson also shows her enthusiasm for dolls, and especially

Dr. Gee talks to Michelle Behnke about how she is motivated by the commitment of the The American Bar Association (ABA) to make the nation and their community better. Michelle is inspired by the ABA's mission of defending liberty and pursuing justice through professional development throughout the nation. They discuss how to encourage Black people to stay in Madison by creating the community for them and how to be the change they want to see. In their experience, to be successful in the local community they have had to be “Bilingual” by knowing how to interact with both the Black community and the white professional community. Listen in to hear about what Michelle calls the “Multiple Realities.” Michelle joined Boardman Clark in 2024 after being elected the 2025 – 2026 president of the American Bar Association (ABA). Outside of her role with the ABA, Michelle has a broad practice, including business and commercial real estate. She is also active in her community and has served on a number of boards including

Hear the inside story on the transition from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate from Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Ben considers how Harris has been active as the Vice President and making energetic appearances but the broader media has chosen not to report on this angle of Harris until her presidential candidacy.  They also discuss this year’s Democratic National Convention and how it felt more joyful and stood out. Ben also explains the use of “weird” comments in the election process. Dr. Gee and Ben also explore the role of Black women in the 2024 election and the impact of their engagement. Can Harris inspire other women of color to participate in politics? alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me listener community Facebook Group